TWO VITAL ISSUES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 171, 21 July 1928, Page 12

TWO VITAL ISSUES.

FINALITY NOT REACHED.

COST PER BED AMD THE SITE

INFECTIOUS DISEASES BLOCK.

<L!> Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday.

The danger of cross-infection at the Auckland Hospital was referred to by Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West), a member of the Hospital Board, when he asked the Minister of Health a question without notice in the House of Representatives. He wanted to know whether the Minister had seen the Press statement that there were 122 cases of infectious diseases in the institution, though there was accommodation for only 85. Had the Minister considered the danger of cross-infection which was taking place, according to the Medical Super" intendent ? Would he do everything possible to remove any obstacle in the way of the erection of an infectious diseases block, which the board had decided to build? It was just possible that the newspaper statement conveyed a wrong impression, said the Hon. J. A. Young. There was an old building available for infectious diseases cases, in times of emergency. Mr. Savage: That old building is in use now. Mr. Young said he would be glad to do everything possible to finalise the matter. There were two points in dispute. Firstly, there was the question o c the cost of the block, in proportion to the number of beds to be provided, and, secondly, the question of the most suitable site. The Director-General was giving the matter the utmost attention, with a view to finalising the matter. Both points were under consideration, and when finality had been reached the board could go right ahead with its proposals. Tn any case, even in the most modern hospitals, it was impossible to prevent cross-infection taking place at times, said the Minister. Mr. Savasre: Surely that is no excuse for not taking every precaution. Mr. Young that, was so, but it was not always possible to ascertain the nature of the malady till the patient was admitted. It was, after all, a matter for the experts. Referring to the statement that some patients were remaining at home, Mr. Young said it was the practice in England not to admit scarlet fever cases, because thev could be treated more effectively in their homes.